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PAGE 6 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN January 4, 2024

NORTHVILLE - WESTLAND
NORTHVILLE - WESTLAND

School board members reject proposed layoffs

Members of the Wayne district was operating with a employment contracts. Parents the proposal. said.
Westland Board of Education strong positive balance rather also protested any layoffs of Dignan cautioned the board Dignan and district adminis-
unanimously rejected than the huge deficit. The staff during a Dec. 18 meeting of members that payroll is one of trators have not confirmed the
Superintendent of Schools John deficit was discovered during a the board members. Jobs sug- the largest costs in the district $17 million deficit but note that
Dignan's suggested staffing cuts routine audit of district gested for layoff included and said he believed the district cost cutting will be necessary to
during their Dec. 21 meeting. finances. administrative positions and could save money with some put the district on a sound
The staffing cuts and layoffs The rumored layoffs were roles such as social workers, staffing adjustments. Dignan financial footing.
were proposed in response to criticized and protested on student monitors and custodi- already reassigned and reclassi- He has repeatedly said mem-
the abrupt discovery of a $17 social media and several union ans, according to the board fied several employees in an bers of the community will have
million deficit in the school dis- leaders suggested the move members' meeting packets. attempt to cut costs. That input into those cost cutting
trict budget. Board members would be an unfair labor prac- Applause from the audience realignment could result in measures at focus groups and
and administrators believed the tice in violation of current followed the board rejection of some grant funding, officials school board meetings.
Free waste drop off

center is now open

Residents of Northville may only come from residential
Township and the City of sources rather than businesses,
Northville now have access to a organizations or government
free new Household entities.
Hazardous Waste drop-off cen- The HHW Center is one of
ter, which opened Oct. 3. the improvements Arbor Hills
Operated by Washtenaw Landfill in Salem Township
County in collaboration with agreed to make as part of a law-
GFL Environmental, the facili- suit settlement with the
ty is located in the Arbor Hills Michigan Department of
complex at 10843 W. Five Mile Environment, Great Lakes and
Road, just west of Napier Road. Energy (EGLE).
The 2,400-square-foot HHW This facility will be available
Center is open for residents by for free for 10 years to residents
appointment only Tuesday- of Northville Township and the
Friday. City of Northville. Arbor Hills,
To make an appointment or now owned by GFL Season of giving
find a list of acceptable materi- Environmental, constructed Northville Township Police officers collected toys to be distributed to deserving children and fami-
als, visit the facility and is paying lies during the holiday season. Officers agreed it has been a "heartwarming experience." Officers
HomeToxicsCenter.org. Washtenaw County $75,000 posted a thank you to everyone who donated and to the township hall staff members who helped
The hazardous materials annually for staffing. make the initiative such a success. The Northville Shop with a Cop event took place last week,
along with the personal delivery of the toys and gifts to homes in the community.

Police patrols increased at old hospital

Anyone contemplating a visit Police Department has signifi- and vandalism.
to the deteriorating and aban- cantly increased patrols near the Police officials cautioned that
doned state psychiatric hospital property in an effort to ensure trespassers will be ticketed and
on Seven Mile Road in Northville the safety of those attempting to that the area does include multi-
has been warned that visiting the visit the site, officials said. ple hazards.
site could well result in an expen- The township recently “Let's all work together to
sive citation for trespassing. installed a 24-hour security sys- keep our neighborhood secure
The Northville Township tem to help prevent trespassing and peaceful,” officials said.